A new plan being pursued by the City of San Francisco would allow developers with projects stalled by the economic recession hold on to their development rights as long as they make some beneficial use of the vacant land until construction starts.
The plan is being called a 'green development agreement', and is being pushed by Mayor Gavin Newsom. It could go up for legislative approval next month. Possible uses of vacant spaces include gardens, city tree farms, and carbon sinks.
"The effort began after a 2009 Chronicle series on lots that are left to languish during economic slumps. The problem is especially vivid south of Market Street, where large sites were cleared for towers that now are on hold because of economic uncertainty.
At present, entitlements for many large projects must be renewed each year. While extensions are granted routinely, the sites sit bare and often attract graffiti and trash."
FULL STORY: Myriad ideas to fill void of empty lots

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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